^?^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 


M.  S.  CAROTHERS. 


My  Books,  to  me,  are  like  my  Iriends, 
Theii  presence  to  my  pleasure  tends, 
And  when  away,  I  wait  with  pain. 
Until  I  see  them  back  again. 


I 


>. 


MINUTES 


OF  THE 


SYNOD  OF  VIRGINIA, 

AT  THEIR  SESSION  IN 

ST^uisrToisr, 

OCTOBER,    1862. 

WITH  AN  APPENDIX. 


MINUTES 


OF  THE 


SYNOD  OF  VIRGINIA, 


AT  THEIR  SESSION  IX 


S  T  ^  TJISTT  O  ]Sr 


OCTOBRR,    1862. 


WITH  AN  APPENDIX. 


PUBLISHED  BY  ORDER  OP  THE  SYNOD 


L\fnf- 


MINUTES. 


The  Synod  of  Virginia  met  according^  to  adjonrnment,  in  the 
Preshyferi.in  church  of  Stannfon,on  Wednesday,  Oclober  1st,  1862, 
at  7  o'clock  P.  M.,  when  a  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Moderator, 
Rev.  J.  B.  Ramsey,  D.  D.,  from  Phil.  1  :  21,  "For  to  me  to  live  is 
Christ." 

Alter  public  worship,  the  Synod  was  called  to  order,  and  opened 
with  prayer  by  the  I\Ioderat()r. 

The  Roll  was  made  out,  and  the  following  Ministers  and  Elders 
were  present  during  the  session,  viz  : 

Greenbrier  Presbytery. 

Ministers— S.  R.  Houston,  J.  Calvin  Barr,  R.  P.  Kennedy  and 
H.  B.  Rose. 

Elders — Thomas  Matthews  and  James  Montgomery,  from  Lewis- 
burg  church. 

Lexington  Presbytery. 

Ministers— Francis  McFarland,  D.  D.,  Wm.  G.  Campbell,  K  W. 
Oalhoon,  Samuel  Brown,  Luther  Emerson.  Enoch  Thomas,  John 
Miller,  Wm.  Finkerton,  W.  H.  Ruflfner,  D.  C.  L-win,  Wm.  E.  Ba- 


'   ~ '    ■  •  •  —  " — ,  -- .  ^.  - ,   —  ^... 

ker,  F.  11.  Bowman,   Wm.  T.  Price,  John  Pinkerton,    A.   L.   Hogs- 
head, E.  D.  Jnnkin,  R.  C.  W^xlker,  Wm.  S.  White.  D.  D.,  C.  S.  M. 


h 


See,  (2)  P.  M.  Custer.  (2)  Wm.  T.  Richardson,  (3)  W\  W.  Trimble, 
(3)  John  S.  Blain,  (3)  T.  L.  Preston,  (4.) 

Elders— John  Merritt,  from  Bethel  church  ;  Wm.  M.  McCutchen, 
Lebanon;  J.  C.  Hntton,  Collier's  Creek  ;  Alc.x'r  Taylor,  Staunton  ; 
John  PL  Guthrie,  Tinkling  Spring  ;  John  Paris,  Hebron  ;  H.  Bar- 
clay, Lexington  ;  II.  Bear,  Union  ;  Wm.  Van  Lear,  Rockingham  ; 
Wm.  Crawford.  (2)  Augusta  church  ;  Benj.  B.  Campbell,  (2)  Pis- 
gah  ;  Wm.  Wi throw,  Waynesboro. 

West  Hanover  Presbytery. 

Ministers— Peyton  Hnrrison,  D.  B.  Ewing,  J.  D.  Dudley,  Charles 
Beach,  Wm.  J.  Iloge,  D.  D.,  B.  M.  Smith,  D.  D.,  (3)  J.  Rice  Bow- 
man* (2)  Francis  Bowman,  D.  D.,  and  John  H.  Bocock,  D.  D. 

Elders— C.  C.  Read,  Farmville  ;  Thos.  E.  Perkinson,  Cumber- 
land ;  L.  R.  Railey,  Charlottesville  ,  A.  J.  Bondurant,  Maysville  ; 
Wm.  Dinwiddle,  Lebanon. 

*Thc  figure  following  a  naino  Indicates  tlic  da.v  of  the  Sbwlon  on  which  the  mombcr  took  his  veau 


296  SYNOD   OP  VIRGIXIA. 

East  Hanover  Presbytery . 

l\rrNisTERS— T.  V'  Moore,  D.  D.,  M.  D.  Hoge,  D.  D.,  (3)  A,  W. 
Miller,  AVm.  Brown,  D.  D.,  (3)  13.  T.  Lacy,  li.  Mcllwaioe,  Q.  W. 
White. 

Elders— P.  P.  Batte,  Lst  church  Petersbnrfij ;  R.  H.  Lester,  2d 
church,  Petersburg  ;  N.  C.  Read,  2d  church,  Richmond. 

Roanoke  Presbytery. 

Ministers— J.  B.  Ramsey,  D.  D.,  A.  Martin,  W.  H.  Mathews,  P. 
T.  Penick,  H:  C.  Alexander,  T.  W.  White,  T.  Wharey,  (2.) 

Elders — H.  T.  Richardson,  Briery  ;  Sum'l  McCorkle,  1st  church, 
Lynchburg  ;  L.  Moore,  Olivet  ;  J.  D.  Spraggin,  Rough  Creek. 

Montgomery  Presbytery. 

Ministers— J.  M.  Rice,  J.  S.  Grasty,  G.  Goble,  A.  Hart. 
Elders— T.  M.  Wiley,  Falling  Spring;  J.  B.  I.  Logan,  Salem  ; 
E.  Plileger,  Cliristiansburg.  ^ 

Winchester  Presbytery. 

Ministers— W.  H.  Foote,  D.  D.  and  M.  W.  Woodworth,  (4.) 
Elders — None. 

MEMBERS  ABSENT. 

Greenbrier  Presbytery'. 

John  McElhenny,  D.  D.,  M.  D.  Dunlap,  R.  Osbovn,  J.  H.  LepSj 
M.  H.  Bittenger,  J.  C.  Brown  and  Wni.  0.  Neely. 

Lexington  Presbytery. 

James  Moriison,  Reuben  Lewis,  Jbhn  F,  Baker,  J.  K.  Harris  and 
Thomas  Hempstead. 

West  Hanover  presbytery. 

Michael  Osborne,  J.  S.  Armistead,  D.  D. ,  Wm.  H.  McGuffe)^, 
D.  1).,  Wni.S.  Thompson,  ,1.  H.  Fitzgerald,  R.  L.  Dabney,  D.  D., 
S.  W.  Watkins,  J.  M.  P.  Atkinson,  D.  D  ,    B.  M.    Wailes   and  L. 

Vass. 

East  Hanover  Presbytery. 

Theodoric  Pryor,  D.  D.,  G.  D.  Armstrong,  D.  D.,  Edward  Mar- 
tin, Robert  J.  Taylor,  S.  W.  Blain,  Sam'l  W.  Blain,  A.  W. 
Wright,  Wm.  A.  Campbidl,  James  Murray  and  H.  H.  Hawes. 

Montgomery  Presbytery . 

J.  D.  Ewing,  U.  Powers,  J.  H.  Wallace,  R.  C.  Graham,  W.  P. 
Hickman,  Thos.  Brown,  J.  M.  Humphreys,  0.  A.  Miller,  Wm.  F. 
Junkin,  S.  D.  Stnarl,  James  Greer,  W.  M.  White,  A.  B,  Carrington 
and  L.  H.  Blanton. 


SYNOD   OP   VIRGINIA.  297 

Boanolce  Presbytery . 

S.  B.  Wilson,  D.  D.,  H.  Lee,  M.  W.  Jackson,  I.  Cocliran,  R.  K 
Andersou,  S.  J.  Rice,  J.  Gr.  8hepperson,  S.  D.  Rice,  C.  R.  Vanjjhan, 
J.  A.  Scott,  H.  Snyder,  Thos.  E.  Peck,  W.  B.  Tidball,  H.  A. 
Brown,  B.  W.  Moseley,  John  A.  Moore  and  John  H.  Davis. 

Winchester  Presbytery. 
[The  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Synod  has  no  Roll  of  this  Presbytery.] 

Rev.  Wm.  J.  Iloge  was  elected  Moderator,  and  Rev.  J.  D.  Dudley 
and  D.  C,  Irwin  Clerks. 

Adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  9  o'clock.  '  Closed  with 
prayer. 

Thursday  Morning,  October  2d — 9  o'clock. 

Synod  met  and  was  opened  with  prayer. 

On  motion  of  Dr.  McFarland,  Synod  spent  half  an  hour  in  devo- 
tional services,  under  the  direction  of  tlie  Moderator. 
At  the  close  of  these  services  it  was — 

Resolved,  That  Synod  will  meet  every  morning  at  9  o'clock,  spend  half  an 
hour  in  devotional  services;  take  recess  at  11  o'clock  for  public  worship  ; 
meet  at  3^  o'clock  P.  M.,  and  adjouru  at  will. 

The  Roll  was  called. 

The  following  brethren  being  present,  were  invited,  to  sit  as  cor- 
responding members: 

Rev.  Wni.  W.  Morrison,  of  the  Synod  of  Alabama. 

Rev.  J.  H.  Bocock,  D.  D.,  of  the  Synod  of  Baltimore. 
■     Rev.  Francis  Bowman,  D.  D.,  of  the  Synod  of  Georgia. 

Rev.  B.  T.  Lacy,  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky. 

Rev.  J.  S.  Watt,  of  the  Synud  of  ]\Iissoiiri. 

Rev.  J.  N.  Anderson,  of  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina. 

Also  Rev.  Messrs.  Gilbert  and  Davis,  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
church. 

The  follovring  mc^ibers  were  excused  for  non-attendance  at  the 
present  meeting,  for  reasons  rendered,  viz: 

Rev.  Messrs.  James  Morrison.  Wm.  H-.  McGuffcy,  D.  D.,  G.  D. 
Armstrong,  D.  D.,  H.  M.  White,  L.  \\.  Blanton,  U.  Powers,  C.  R. 
Vaughan,  B.  W.  Moseley,  T.  P;yor,  D.  D.,  and  J.  S.  Armistead, 
D.  D. 

The  tninutes  of  the  scssson  of  yesterday  evening  wore  read  and 
approved. 

The  Stated  Clerk  presented  the, report  of  t1ie  Board  of  Directors  of 
Union  Theological  Seniinary,  wliich  was  read  and  referred  to  the 
Coinmiflee  on  the  Seminary. 

Tiie  Synod  proceeded  to  a)ipoint  the  time  and  place  for  its  next 
moctinj;,  and  the  town  of  Salem  was  chosen  as  the  place,  and  the 
third  Wednesday  in  October,  18G3,  at  7  o'clock  P.  M.,  as  the.  time. 


298 


SYNOD   OF   VTRGINIA, 


The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  Standing  Committees  : 

JJn  Leave  of  Absence — Rev.  Richard  JMcIhvaine  aud  G.  W.  White 
and  Elder  P.  P.  Batte. 

On  Bills  aud  Overtures — Rev.  J.  B.  Ramsey,  D.  D.,  William  S. 
W^iite,  D.  D..  aud  S.  R.  Houston,  with  EldJrs  C.  C.  Read  and  E. 
Phlcger. 

On  Union  Theological  Seminary — Rev.  Wm.  H.  Rnffner,  Francis 
McFarland,  D.  D.,  and  D.  B.  Ewing  ;  Elders  S.  McCorkle  and  J. 
B.  J.  Logan. 

On  ihe  Narrative — Rev.  H.  C.  Alexander  and  Luther  Emerson, 
and  Elder  J.  D.  Spraggins. 

Judicial  Committee — Rev.  T.  V.  Moore,  D.  D.,  John  Miller,  Chas. 
Beach,  and  Elders  T.  E.  Perkinsnn  and  J.  C.  Hiitton. 

On  Devotional  Services — Rev.  Wm.  E.  Baker  and  Elder  Alexander 
Taylor. 

It  was  resolved  that  the  Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures  be  re- 
quired to  report  on  the  propriety  cf  appointing  a  stated  time  for  the  ' 
regular  meetings  of  Synod. 

On  motion.  Rev.  John  Miller  and  H.  C.  Alexander,  and  Elder  R. 
F.  Lester  were  appointed  a  committee  to  report  a  minute  on  the 
general  subject  of  the'interruption  of  worship  in  our  churches. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  the  Theological  Seminary  be  instructed 
to  inquire  as  to  the  number  of  Theological  students  now  in  the  army,  and 
write  to  them  a  letter  of  sympathy  and  support. 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee  from  Lexington  Presbytery  be  appointed  to 
prepare  a  Minute  in  reference  to  the  death  of  Rev.  Henry  Kiitfner,  D.  D. 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee  from  each  Presbytery  ho  a[)pointed  to  pre- 
pare Minutes  with  reference  to  the  deaths  of  the  members  of  their  respect- 
ive Presbyteries  during  the  past  year. 

r 

The  Committee  on  the  Narrative  were  requested  to  notice  in  the 
Narrative  tlic  death  of  those  Theological  Students  who  have  died, 
during  the  past  year. 

The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  committee  from  Lexing- 
ton Presbytery,  on  tlie  deatli  of  Rev.  Dr.  Ruffner,  viz: 

Rev.  Francis  Mcirarland,D.  D.,  Wm.  S.  Wl#te,  D.  D.,  and  Elder 
Hugh  Barclay. 

Also,  the  following  committees  to  review  Presbyterial  Records: 
To  review  the  Records  of — 

Gi-eenbrier  Presbytery— i^\.Q\\  A.  L.  Hogshead,  Wm.  H.  Matthews 
and  Ekler  L.  Moore. 

Of  Lexington  Presbytery — Rev.  J.  Calvin  Barr,  G.  Goble  and 
Elder  F.  M.  Wylie. 

Of  West  Hanover  Presbytery— Hev.  P.  T.  Pcnick.  R.  C.  Walker 
and  J.  E.  Guthrie. 

Of  East  Hanover  Presbytery— llev.  E.  D.  Junkin,  T.  W.  White 
and  A.  J.  Bondurant. 

Of  Montgomery  Presbi/tery—RQV.  S.  Brown,  R.  P.  Kennedy  and 
H.  Barclay. 


SYNOD   OF   VIRGINIA.  299 

Of  Boanohe  Presbytery— Rev.  Win.  G.  Campbell,  E.  Thomas  and 
"Wm.  M.  McCiitchan. 

Of  Winchester  Presbytery— Rqy.  F.  H.  Bowman,  Wm.  Pinkerton 
and  J.  Montgomery. 

It  was  made  the  first  order  of  the  day  for  this  afternoon  to  receive 
Presbyterial  R,ecords. 

And  it  was  made  the  second  order  for  the  afternoon  to  receive 
Statistical  Reports  of  Presbyteries,  and  Narratives  of  the  state  of 
Religion. 

And  the  third  order  to  hear  reports  from  Presbyteries  on  evangel- 
istic labor. 

The  fourth  order  to  hear  reports  from  Presbyteries  on  systematic 
benevolence. 

The  following  members  appeared  and  gave  satisfactory  reasons  for 
tardiness  : 

Rev.  J.  R.  Bowman,  Rev.  C.  S.  M.  See,  and  Elder  Wm.  Craw- 
ford. 

Synod  took  a  recess  till  3|  o'clock  P.  M. 

After  recess  Synod  met. 

The  first  order  of  the  day  was  taken  up,  and  the  Records  of  the 
Presbyteries  of  Lexington,  West  Hanover  and  Montgomery  were 
received  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  committee. 

The  second  order  was  taken  up,  and  the  Statistical  Reports  of  the 
Presbyteries  of  Greenbrier,  Lexington,  West  Hanover,  Montgomery 
and  Roanoke  were  received  and  read,  and  are  as  follows,  viz  : 

The  Presbytery  of  Greenbrier  report  to  the  Synod  that  they  consist  of  12 
Ministers,  and  have  under  their  care  23  churches,  and  3  Licenciates. 

On  the  19lh  of  April,  1802,  they  licensed  James  Haynes,  and  on  the  22d 
of  Septermber,  1862,  Brice  B.  Blair,  as  probationers  for  the  ministry. 

Died,  Dec.  17th,  1861,  Rev.  Henry  Kuffner,  D.  D. 

Died,  June  8th,  1862,  Rev.  James  M.  Brown,  D.  D. 

Died,  August — ,  1862,' Rev.  David  H.  Cunninj^ham. 

Died,  May  15th,  18d2,  James  Brown,  a  candidate  for  the  ministry. 
By  order  of  Presbytery 

J.  C.  Baur,  s.  a 

Lexington  Presbytery  report  to  the  Synod  of  Virginia  that  they  consist  of 
30  Ministers,  and  have  under  them  38  churches,  2  Licentiates,  and  1  can- 
didate. 

Ministers  Received — Nov.  8th,  Rev.  F.  H.  Bowman,  from  the  Presbytery 
of  Tuscaloosa,  and  Rev.  P.  M.  Custer,  from  the  Presbytery  of  Greenbrier. 

April  17th,  Rev,  Reuben  Lewis,  from  the  Presbytery  of  Montgomery,  and 
Sept,  .5th,  Rev.  N.  VV.  Calhoon,  from  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Louis. 

Pastoral  Relation  Dissolver/— Feb.  20th,  1862,  between  Rev.  Samuel 
Brown  and  Windy  Cove  church. 

Installed — Nov.  8th,  Rev.  Francis  H.  Bowman,  pastor  of  Augusta  church. 
Nov.  9th,  Rev.  Philander  M.  Custr,  pastor  of  Mount  Horcb. church,  and 
May -nth,  Rev.  Thomas  L.  Preston,  pastor  of  Hebron  church,  and  May  10th 
Rev.  Samuel  Brown,  pastor  of  New  Monmouth  church. 


300  SYNOD    OF  VIRGINIA. 

Ordained — May  10th,  Rev.  John  M.  Goul,  as'an  evangelist. 

Licensed — March  21st,  Mr,  J.. H.  Gilmore. 

Died,  August  9th,  Rev.  John  M.  Goul. 

The  Presbytery  has  also  lost,  by  death,  three  candidates  during  the  year. 

By  order  of  Presbytery, 
Sept.  18th,  1862.  Sam'l  Brown,  Stated  Cleik. 

The  Presbytery  of  West  Hanover  report  to  the  Synod  of  Virginia  that 
the^consist  of  10  Ministers,  and  have  under  their  care  21  churches,  6  Li- 
centiates, and  1  candidate. 

On  the  23d  day  of  April  last  they  dismissed  Rev.  S.  S.  Mnrkland  to  the 
Presbytery  of  Concord  ,  on  the  s:i?nc  day  they  dismissed  John  M.  Goul,  a 
Licenciate,  to  put  himself  undef  the  care  of  Lexington  Pre>bytory. 

On  the  25th  of  the  same  month  they  received  Kev.  Win.  .1.  Hoge,  D.  D., 
of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  on  examination,  without  a  dismission,  for 
reasons  stated  on  their  Minutes. 

On  the  25th  of  the  same  month  thoy  licensed  Thomas  W.  Gilmer,  George 
H.  Gilmer,  Charles  James  Armistead,  H.  P.  R  McCoy  and  James  M. 
Wharey  to  preach  the  Gospel. 

On  the  2;!th  of  Aug.,  they  received  under  tlieir  care  Park  Poindexter 
Flournoy  as  a  candidate  for  the  Gospel  Ministry. 

By  order  of  Presbvterv, 

.^ug.  ZOih,  1862.  J.  S.  Armistead,   Stated  Clerk. 

Montgomery  Presbytery  repoit  to  Synod  that  they  consist  of  18  Ministers, 
and  have  under  their  care  3  Licentiite?  and  5  candidates. 

That  on  the  7tb  da}'  of  Nov.,  ISGI,  tiie  pastoral  relation  between  the  Rev. 
J.  F.  Lanneau  and  the  church  of  k^ale|B  was  dissolved,  and  Mr.  Lanneau 
was  dismissed  to  the  Presbytery  of  Chjepkee. 

That  on  the  11th  of  January,  1862,  tiie  pastoral  relation  was  dissolved  be- 
tween the  Rev.  J.  S.  Gia-^ty  and  the  jchurch  of  Mountain  Union  ;  that  on 
the  12th  of  April  Rev.  L.  H.  Blaiiton  li'as  received  fiom  the  Presbytery  of 
West  Lexington,  and  on  the  second  Saourday  in  May  installed  pastor  of  the 
church  of  Salem.  / 

That  Rev.  H.  M.  White  was  installe|  pastor  of  Mountain  Union  church 
on  the  second  Saturday  in  June.  , 

And  that  since  the  last  report  th^  Rev.  W.  W.  Stickley  departed  this 
life. 

L.  H.  Blanton,  Mr. 

W.    F.    JUNKIN. 

The  Presbytery  of  Roanoke  report  to  the  Synod  of  Virginia  that  they 
consist  of  24  Ministers,  and  have  under  their  care  27  churches,  1  Licen- 
tiate, and  three  candidates.  , 

That  on  the  2.5th  day  of  April,  18G%  they  licensed  Mr.  William  S.  'Lacy 
to  preach  the  Gospel. 

That  on  the  day  following  they  received  under  their  care  Mr.  Thomas  W. 
White,  a  Licentiate  from  the  Presbytery  of  East  Hanover. 

That  on  the  31st  day  of  May,  they  lost  by  death,  at  the  battle  of  Seven 
Pines,  Mr.  Edgar  Wirt  Carringion,  a  candidate  for  the  ministry. 

That  on  the  11th  day  of  July  they  ordained  Mr.  Thomas  Ward  White,  and 
installed  him  pastor  of  Ebenezer  church.  . 

That  on  the  29th  day  of  August  they  received  Rev.  John  H.  Davis  from 


SYNOD   OP   VIRGIIHiA.  301 

the  Presbytery  of  East  Hanover,  and  on  the  same  day  they  toolc  under  their 
care  Mr.  Tazewell  M.  McCorkle,  of  the  Ist  Presbyterian  church  of  Lynch- 
burg, as  a  candidate  for  the  Ministry  :  that  on  the  3d  day  of  Septembei 
they  installed  Rev.  John  H.  Davis  Pastor  of  Bethlehem  church  ;  and  on  the 
20th  day  of  the  same  month  installed  Mr.  Davis  Pastor  also  of  Concord 
church. 

By  order  of  the  Presbytery, 


Sept.  26th,  1862. 


Sam'l  J.  Price.  Stated  Clerk. 


The  Prfsbytery  of  East  Hanover  report  to  the  Synod  that  they  con- 
sist of  17  Ministers,  and  have  under  their  care  17  churches  and  one  candi" 
date.  On  the  17th  day  of  April,  1862  they  dismissed  the  Rev.  John  H. 
Davis  to  unite  with,  and  Mr.  Thos.  Ward  White,  a  Licentiate,  to  put  him- 
self under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Roanoke.  On  the  same  day  they 
ordained  Mr  Herbert  H.  Hawes  to  the  full  work  of  the  Ministry,  and  on 
the  23d  of  August  installed  him  pastor  of  Hebron  church.  On  the  3d  day 
of  October  they  received  the  Rev.  Beverly  T.  Lacey,  a  member  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  West  Lexington.  On  the  15th  day  of  February  Rev.  Dabney 
Carr  Harrison  died  of  wounds  received  at  Fort  Donaldson  :  and  on  the  9th 
day  of  June  Rev.  Wiu.  Lyon  departed  this  life. 

Oct.  2,  1862.  William  Brown,  Stated  Clerk  pro  tern. 

The  Narratives  on  the  State  of  Religion  from  Greenbrier,  Mont- 
gomery and  Roanoke  Pre.sbyteries  were  read,  and  put  into  the  hands 
of  tlie  Coicmittee  on  the  Narrative. 

Rev.  Thomas  Wharey,  P.  M.  Custer,  H.  B.  Rose  and  Elder  B.  B. 
Campbell,  from  Pisgah  church,  Lexington  Presbytery, appeared  and 
gave  satisfactory  reasons  for  tardiness. 

The  third  order  of  the  day  was  taken  up,  and  the  Presbyteries  of 
Lexington  and  Roanoke  reported  on  the  subject  of  Evangelistic 
labor.  From  these  reports  it  appear.^  that  these  Presbyteries  manage 
the  subject  through  their  Coinniittees  of  Domestic  Missions;  that 
they  are  endeavoring  to  aid  feel)le  churches,  plant  new  ones,  and  to 
aid  in  supplying  the  army  hospitals  with  Chaplains.  In  this  latter 
work  the  Presbytery  of  Roanoke  has  shown  commendable  zeal. 

The  fourth  order  was  taken  up.  and  a  report  on  Systematic  Bene- 
volence wa.s  received  from  the  Presbytery  of  West  Hanover  alone. 
From  this  report  it  appears  that  the  subject  has  been  attended  to  by 
this  Presbytery. 

Besolved,  That  it  be  enjoined  on  the  Presbyteries  to  send  up  their  reports 
on  Systematic  Benevolence. 

The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  Committees  to  prepare 
suitable  Minutes  in  regard  to  the  death  of  Ministers  in  their  re8[)ec- 
tive  Presbyteries  during  the  last  year  : 

Lexington  Presby levy. —  Rev.  C.  S.  M.  See  and  F.  H.  Bowman,  El- 
der J.  C.  Hutton. 

East  H' mover  Presbytery.— Rev.  T.  V.  Moore,  D,  D.  and  G.  W. 
White,#Elder  R.  F.  Lester. 
2 


302  SYXOD   OF   VIRGINIA. 

Montgomery  Presbytery. — Rev.  A.  Hart,  J.  S.  Grasty  and  Elder 
E.  Phle<;r.r. 

Greenbrier  Presbytery. — Rov.  S.  R.  Houston,  J.  C.  Barr,  Elder 
Thos.  Matthews. 

The  Committee  appointed  on  the  subject  of  the  interruption  of 
worship  in  the  churches,  repeated. 

The  Moderator  appointed  the  Ri'V.  W.  H.  Foote,  D.  D,  and  Elder 
P.  P.  Batte  a  Committee  on  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly. 

Adjourned  to  meet  to-niurrow  morning  at  9  o'clock. 

Clotied  with  prayer. 

Friday  Morning,  Oct.  3d,  9  o'clock. 

Synod  met  and  was  opened  with  prayer,  and  half  an  hour  was 
spent  in  devotional  services. 

The  Roll  was  called,  and  the  minutes  of  yesterday  were  read  and 
approved. 

The  Rev.  Francis  Bowman,  D.  D.  and  Rev.  J.  H.  Bocock,  D.D. 
having  been  received  as  members  of  West  Hanover  Presbytery  were 
enrolled  and  took  their  seats  as  members  of  Svnod. 

Rev.  Messrs.  B.  M.  Smith,  D.  D.,  VVm.  Brown,  D.  D.,  M.  D. 
Hoge,  D.  D.,  and  Wm.  T.  Richardson,  appeared  and  gave  satisfac- 
tory reasons  for  tardiness. 

Rev.  R.  L.  Dabney,  D.  D.  and  Rev.  J^hn  Moore  were  e.vcused  for 
absence  "from  the  present  meeting,  on  reasons  presented  on  their 
behalf. 

A  paper  was  presented  by  Rev.  Wm.  S.  Wliite,  D.  D.  in  reference 
to  the  duties  of  the  chnreli  to  the  Hospitals  and  the  Army,  which 
was  discussed  at  some  length.  Pending  the  discussion,  Rev.  Dr. 
McFarland,  at  the  call  of  the  Moderator,  led  the  Synod  in  [)rayer, 
with  reference  to  this  subject. 

On  motion,  the  paper,  and  the  whole  subject  of  the  duty  of  the 
church  to  tlie  Hospitals  and  the  Army,  was  referi'ed  to  a  Ci>mmittee 
consisting  of  Rev,  J.  H.  Bocock,  D.  D.,  R.  Mcllwaine,  M.  D.  Hoge, 
D.  D.,  Jol'in  Miller,  Wm.  Brown,  D.  D.,  and  Elders  H.  Barclay  and 
J.  B.  I.  Logan. 

Synod  took  a  recess  till  3i  o'clock,  P.  M. 

After  recess  Synod  met. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  review  the  Presbyterial  Records  of 
East  Hanover,  Roanoke  and  Greenbrier  reported  that  the  Records 
had  not  been  ])ut  into  their  hands,  and  were  discharged. 

The  Committee  on  the  Records  of  West  Hanover  and  Lexington 
Presbyteries  reported,  recommending  their  api)roval  as  far  as  written. 
The  reports  were  adopted. 

The  Committee  on  tl»e  Roc>r(ls  of  Montgomery  Presbytery  re- 
ported, and  their  report  was  laid  on  thy  table. 

The  tollowing  Resolutions  were  offeredand  adoiited,  viz  : 

Resolved,  That  this  Synod  hereby  bear  their  solemn  testimony  against  the 
growing  neglect  and  disuse  of  singing  as  a  part  of  family  worship,»as  being 


SYNOD    OF   VIRGINIA.  303 

a  departure  from  the  hallowed  custom  of  our  fathers,  as  well  as  from   the 
teachino;s  of  the  Bible,  and  the  .standards  of  our  owu  church. 

Resolved,  That  we  afTectioiiatel)'  commend  to  all  our  people  this  important 
miitter ;  and  would  kindly  invite  a'l  our  Pastors  and  i^essions,  (while  they 
attend  to  the  keeping;  up  of  family  worship  amonpr  the  familiey  of  their  le- 
spective  charges)  not  to  neglect,  but  pay  special  attention  to  thi»  as  an  im- 
portant part  of  the  worship  of  God  in  the  familie.s,  as  well  as  in  the  public 
congregation. 

The  Rev.  B.  T.  Lacy,  liaviiifj  been  received  as  a  member  of  East 
Hanover  Krcsbytei'y,  was  enrolled  and  took  his  seat  as  w  member  of 
Synod. 

The  Presbytery  of  East  Hanover  presented  their  report  on  Evan- 
gelistic labor,  from  which  it  appears  that  they  conduct  this  business 
as  the  other  Presbyteries,  through  their  Committee  of  Domestic 
Missions.  They  had  endeav(kred  to  nbtnin  a  travelling  Evangelist, 
but  had  failed.  They  have  ha  I  four  .Missionaries  in  their  service 
during  the  past  year,  one  of  wlmm  had  been  laboring  mostly  io  the 
army.  The  Presbytery  also  reported  that  in  consequence  of  the  de- 
tention within  the  enemies  lines' of  tbeir  Stated  Clerk,  and  the  ab- 
sence of  the  Records  of  the  Presbytery,  they  can  make  no  detailed 
report  on  Systematic  Benevolence. 

The  Presbyteries  of  Lexington  and  East  Hanover  presented  their 
Narratives  of  the  State  of  Religion,  which  were  referred  to  che 
Committee  on  the  Narrative. 

The  Rev.  W.  W.  Trimlde  and  Rev.  John  S.  Blain,  appeared  and 
gave  satisfactory  reasons  for  not  attending  earlier. 

The  Committee  of  Greenbiier  Presbytery,  appointed  to  j)repare 
Minutes  in  reference  to  the  death  of  members  of  Synod  within  tiieir 
bounds,  made  the  following  Reports,  which  were  ado[)ted : 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  Minute  expressive  of  the  feelings 
of  this  Synod  in  reference  to  the  death  of  Rev.  James  M.  Brown,  D.  D., 
would  respectfully  submit  the  following,  viz  : 

Our  departed  fellow  servant  in  the  ministry  of  Christ  was  born  in  Rock- 
bridge county.'  He  prosecuted  his  theoIo<;ical  studies  under  the  direction  of 
Rev  G'o.  A.  Baxter,  D.  D.,  and  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Presbytery 
of  Lexington.  He  commenced  hi^  labors  as  a  Pastor  in  Berkeley  county,  in 
the  year  1824.  Afler  the  lapse  of  ten  years  he  became  an  Agent  of  the 
Bonrd  of  Domestic  Missions,  in  which  service  he  continued  two  years,  labor- 
ing in  the  States  of  Vir^'inia  and  Nuith  Carolina.  In  the  year  1836  he  was 
installed  the  Pastor  of  the  church  of  Charleston,  in  the  Kanawha  Valley, 
where  he  served  his  Master  untd  his  death,  which  occurred  on  Sabbath 
morning,  June  8fh,  1862.  During  this  latter  period  he  had,  for  some  time, 
the  charge  of  a  Female  Seminary,  and  at  the  same  time  performed  frequent 
and  toilsome  Missionary  tours  through  the  exlen>-ive  region  of  Western  Vir- 
ginia. 

He  was  eminent  for  his  zeal  and  conscientious  fidelity  in  every  branch  of 
of  his  diversified  labors.  As  a  Pastor  he  was  particularly  di.^tinoruished  His 
preaching  was  simple,  logical  and  deeply  impressive.  In  public  prayer  he 
seemed  to  stand  hard  by  the  throne  and  hold  intimate  communion  with  the 
God  of  grace  and  mercy.     His  people  honored   and  loved  him  much.     For 


304  SYNOD   OF   VIRGINIA. 

mor*  than  a  jear  p'pvious  to  his  death  his  church  enjoyed  an  unceasing  re- 
freshino;  froin  on  hii^h.  In  Ihe  la>l  dny  many,  doubtIe^<s,  will  rise  up  and 
called  him  blessed.  H is  death  is  much  lamented  by  this  Synod.  His  inti- 
mate aoquaintiince  with  ecclesiastical  matters,  and  his  ardent  desire  to  further 
the  general  interests  of  the  church,  together  with  his  extraordinary  practical 
wi>dom,  caused  him  to  be  a-mtsl  judicious  counsellor,  and  a  truly  .safe  guide. 
He  passed  through  deep  waters  before  he  arrived  at  the  Jordan  of  death.  A 
beloved  daughter,  and  a  much  loved  son,  sickened  atjd  died  but  a  short  period 
before  he  himself  was  called  away.  He  bore  his  afflictions  without  a  mur- 
mur. Every  word  that  fell  from  his  lips  indicated  a  heart  perfectly  resigned 
and  sweetly  submissive.  His  end  was  more  than  peaceful.  His  death  was 
tnumphant.  » 

As  a  Synod  we  profoundly  condole  with  his  thrice  stricken  widow  and 
only  surviving  son.  May  that  precious  Gospel,  which  was  so  full  of  peace 
to  him,  be  their  consolation  and  joy. 

Also  in  reference  to  the  death  of  the  Rev.  David  H.  Cunningham.  He 
was  a  native  of  Rockingham  county,  received  his  Theological  education  at 
Union  Seminary,  and  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington 
in  the  ye;ir  1834. 

During  his  lil'e  he  labored  in  many  different  fields  with  much  zeal,  and  a 
gof)d  degree  of  success.  He  evidently  lived  the  service  of  his^  Lord  and 
Master  Jc^us  Christ,  but  in  consequence  of  continued  feeble  health,  and 
other  circumstances  the  latter  pnrt  of  his  life  was  one  of  much  suffering  and 
but  little  efficiency  in  the  mini-try.  Many  and  sore  weie  his  afflictions,  but 
the  Lord,  we  trust,  has  deliv  -red  him  out  of  them  all.  Through  much  tribu- 
lation he  lias  entered  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

The  Synod  would  heieby  express  their  sincere  sympathy  for  his  numerous 
oipliaii  children,  now  bereaved  of  both  their  parents,  and  would  earnestly 
commend  them  to  the  grace  and  protecting  kindness  of  their  father's  God. 

Sae'l  U.  HousioK,  ) 
John  C   Barr,  >  Committee. 

Thos.  Matthews,    ) 
Oct.  3,  1862. 


The  Committee  of  East  Hanover  Presbytery  made  the  following 
reports,  which  were  adopted  : 

The  Committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  Mit^utc  in  regard  to  the  deaths  in 
East  Hanover  Presbytery,  report  the  following: 

R-v.  Dabney  Carr  Harrison,  son  of  Rev.  Peyton  and  Jane  Carr  Harri.son, 
was  born  in  the  county  of  Albemarle,  Va.,  Sept.  12th,  1830.  After  the  usual 
preliminary  education,  he  graduated  at  Princeton  College,  N.  J.,  at  the  age  of 
18,  and  studied  hiw.  Soon  after  entering  on  the  practice  of  his  profession,  he 
was  led  to  consecrate  himself  to  Christ,  and  immediateiy  began  the  study  of 
Theology.  After  the  usual  course  at  Union  Seminary,  he  was  called  to  give 
instruction  in  Hebrew  in  the  Seminary  for  two  years,  owing  to  the  lamented 
death  of  Prof.  Samp-on.  After  which  he  accepted  the  Chaplaincy  of  the 
University  of  Virginia,  and  was  ordained  by  the  West  Hanover  Presbytery 
in  April.  1S,')7.  Ha.itig  filled  this  post  with  great  acceptance,  he  took  charge 
of  the  Bethlehem  church  in  Hanover  county,  and  performed  a  great  deal  of 
Mis>ionary  labor,  e.-pecially  among  the  servants.  After  the  death  of  his 
brother,  Peyton  R.  Harrison,  and  other  relatives,  in  the  battle  of  Manassas, 


SYNOD    OF   VIRGINIA.  305 

he  felt  it  to  be  his -duty  to  enter  the  army,  and  raised  a  company  in  Hanover 
county,  of  which  he  took  as  much  the  s-piritual  as  the  mihtary  charge,  labor- 
ing in  various  ways  for  the  good  of  their  souls.  This  company  was  ordered 
to  the  West,  and  it  fell  to  their  lot  to  participate  in  the  terrible  struggle  of 
Fort  Donelson.  He  was  with  them  in  all  their  sufferings,  and  although  too 
unwell  to  be  fit  for  duty,  he  rose  from  his  sick  bed  to  share  with  them  the 
exposures  of  the  impending  battle.  It  had  been  his  custom  to  assemble  his 
company  regularly  lor  morning  and  evening  prayers,  and  this  custom  even 
the  progress  of  that  protracted  battle  did  not  cause  him  to  intermit.  On 
Thursuiy  morning,  the  second  day  of  that  bloody  and  unequal  struggle, 
where,  amid  drenching  rain  and  freezing  sleet  and  chilling  snow,  that  gallant 
band  of  heroes  struggled  so  bravely  against  overwhelming  odds  for  five  days, 
he  gathered  his  ..len  in  the  trenches,  where  they  had  been  working  all  the 
night  before,  to  begin  the  day  with  prayer.  Many  others  gathered  around 
him,  and  in  the  dim  light  of  a  setting  moon  and  a  dawning  day,  he  repeated 
with  thrilling  effect  to  these  weary  and  sufl^ering  men  the  sublime  words  of 
that  grand  old  war  song  of  the  Hebrew  hero,  the  27th  Psalm,  and  many  a 
heart  grew  stronger,  as  his  manly  voice  exclaimed,  "the  Lord  is  my  light 
and  my  salvation,  whom  shall  I  fear?  The  Lord  is  the  strength  of  my  life, 
of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid  ?  Though  an  host  should  encairp  against  me,  my 
heart  shall  not  fear!  Though  war  should  rise  against  me,  in  this  will  I  be 
confident!"  And  though  many  an  eye  swam,  and  many  a  choking  thought 
of  loved  ones  far  away  came  up,  at  the  word,  "When  my  father  and  mother 
forsake  me;"  yet  the  tear  was  checked  as  he  added,  "then  the  Lord  will 
take  me  up."  And  that  prayer  in  the  freezing  trenches,  in  the  dim  dawn  of 
that  wintry  morning,  will  long  be  remembered  by  many  a  brave  heart.  On 
Saturday  morning,  Feb.  15lh,  1862,  as  he  was  leading  his  company  in  a  dar- 
ing charge,  and  cheering  them  on,  he  fell,  pierced  by  a  mortal  wound,  and 
after  lying  for  some  time  on  the  battle  field,  was  carried  off*  by  his  brave 
men,  to  be  removed  to  Nashville*  As  he  was  borne  along  on  a  litter,  he  re- 
marked to  a  passing  friend,  "it  is  all  right,  I  am  perfectly  willing  to  die." 
During  the  next  da}',  which  was  the  Sabbath,  he  called  for  a  note-book,  and 
with  a  hand  thus  growing  feeble  in  death,  as  the  following  characters  touch- 
ingly  indicate,  wrote:  "I  die  content  and  happy,  trusting  in  the  merits  of 
my  Saviour  Jesus,  committing  my  wife  and  children  to  their  Father  and 
mine,"  and  signed  his  name.  Sinking  into  sleep,  he  suddenly  started  up,  a 
few  moments  before  his  death,  and  exclaimed,  as  if  his  thoughts  were  wan- 
dering back  to  the  battle  field  and  his  beloved  men,  "  Company  K,  you  have 
no  captain  now,  but  never  give  up  !  never  surrender !"  Sinking  back  on  his 
pillow,  he  sweetly  and  quietly  fell  asleep,  and  on  the  rest  of  that  holy  day, 
which  he  loved  so  well,  passed  from  the  Sabbath  on  earth  to  the  eternal 
Sabbath  in  heaven.  He  sleeps  far  from  the  graves  of  his  kindred,  but  his 
gentle  loveliness,  his  fervent  piety,  his  chivalrous  courage,  his  ripe  scholar- 
ship, his  inflexible  firmness  in  duty,  and  that  rare  and  beautiful  combination 
of  almost  of)posite' qualities  that  made  him  at  once  a  "  son  of  consoration," 
and  a  "  son  of  thunder,"  will  embalm  hi«  memory  in  an  undjing  affection  in 
the  heart.s  of  those  who  will  long  mourn  that  a  sacrifice  so  rich  and  precious 
should  have  been  yielded  on  the  blood  stained  altar  of  our  country's  liberty. 

Rev.  William  Ljow  was  a  native  of  Carlisle,  Pa.,  pursued  his  academic 
course  in  Dickinson  College,  and  studied  Theology  privately.  Removing  to 
Virginia  about  the  year  1844,  he  took  charge  of  the  Kethlehem  church,  Han- 
over coimty,  where  he  labored  for  four  or  five  years,  when  failing  health 
compelled  him  to  teach  for  a  few  years.     After  which  he  took  charge  of  the 


306  SYNOD   OF   VIRGINIA. 

Amelia  church,  in  East  Hanover  Presbytery.  He  wfts  called  about  ten  years 
ago  to  the  genera!  agency  of  the  Virginia  Bible  Society  in  Eastern  Virginia, 
in  which  work  he  labored  faithfully,  until  he  sunk  under  protracted  ill  health 
last  June,  and  ended  his  earthly  career  about  the  age  of  forty.  He  was  an 
humble,  retiring  and  pious  man,  blameless  and  holy  in  all  his  walk  and  con- 
versation, laboring  with  uncomplaining  fidelity  amidst  peculiar  discourage- 
ments, and  his  latter  end  was  peace. 

The  Committer  of  Montgomery  Presbytery  reported  the  following, 
which  was  adopted : 

REV.  W.  W.  STICKLEY. 

Whereas  it  has  pleased  Almighty  God  to  remove  from  us  by  death  the 
Rev.  W.  W.  Stickley  ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  bow  in  humblo  submission  to  the  divine  will  as  ex- 
pressed in  that  event,  and  adore  that  sovereignty  which  we  cannot  compre- 
hend. 

As  a  Synod  we  record  his  death  with  sincere  sorrow,  feeling  that  we  have 
lost  a  valuable  member  of  this  body,  and  a  highly  esteemed  brother  in 
Christ. 

We  deeply  sympathise  with  the  people  of  his  recent  charge,  believing 
that  they  have  lost  an  earnest,  affectionate  and  faithful  preacher — a  laborious 
and  devoted  Pastor,  and  one  who  was  very  successful  among  them  as  well  in 
comforting,  guiding  and  instructing  the  people  of  God,  as  in  winning  souls  to 
the  Redeemer. 

We  also  tender  our  warmest  sympathies  to  his  deeply  afflicted  wife  and 
children,  and  commend  them  to  the  love  and  kindness  of  our  Heavenly 
Father. 

The  end  of  our  beloved  brother  was  peace,  and  \vc  hope  that  his  rest  will 
be  glorious. 

The  Committee  from  Lexington  Presbytery,  appointed  to  prepare 
a  Minute  witii  reference  to  the  death  of  Rev.  Henry  Ruffner,  D.  D., 
reported  the  following,  which  was  adopted  : 

The  Synod  would  put  on  record  in  their  Minutes  the  mournful  fact  that  on 
the  17th  day  of  December,  1861,  in  the  71st  year  of  his  age,  that  honored 
and  beloved  member  of  the  Synod,  Henry  RufFner,  D.  D.  L.  L.  I).,  ceased 
his  ministry  in  the  church  below,  but  we  rejoice  to  believe  that  on  the  same 
day  he  commenced  his  ministry  before  the  throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb. 

He  possessed  a  very  vigorous  and  well  furnished  mind.  His  literary  and 
scientific  attainments  were  large,  varied  and  accurate,  and  he  was  a  sound 
theologian.  His  love  of  learning  was  so  intense,  that  by  his  cFose  applica- 
tion to  study  he  no  doubt  impaired  a  constitution  naturally  strong. 

His  eminent  qualifications  pointed  him  out  as  a  man  well  suited  for  the  in- 
struction of  youth  in  the  higher  walks  of  learning,  and  as  Professor  and  Pre- 
sident of  Washington  College,  he  rendered,  for  many  years,  valuable  service 
both  to  the  church  and  to  the  State. 

But  being  a  man  of  fervent  piety  he  loved  to  preach  Christ  and  him  cru- 
cified, which  he  did  with  plainness  and  fervency  and  power,  rightly  dividing 
the  word  of  truth.  And  Gud  so  owned  his  ministry,  that  three  precious  re- 
vivals of  religion  were   enjoyed  by  the   churches  to  which  he  ministered  ; 


SYNOD   OP  VIRGINIA.  307 

and  there  is  no  reason  to  doubt  that  his  abundant  labors  in  the  last  tended  to 
shorten  his  life. 

His  end,  we  learn,  was  perfect  peace.  Confidently  relying  on  the  promises 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  he  entered  and  passed  through  the  dark  valley,  fearing  no 
evil,  the  Rod  and  Staff  of  his  Shepiicrd  comforting  him. 

A  Committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  B.  M.  Smith,  D.  D.,Rev.  A.  W. 
Miller,  and  Elder  L.  R.  Kailey,  were  appointed  to  bring  in  a  Minute 
expressive  of  the  Svnod  in  view  of  the  death  of  the  Rev.  James  H. 
Thorn  well,  D.  D. 

At  the  suggestion  of  the  Moderator,  the  Rev.  M.  D.  Hoge,  D.  D., 
led  the  Synod  in  prayer,  with  reference  to  the  unusual  number  of 
deaths  of  members  of  Synod  during  the  last  year. 

The  unfinished  business  of  yesterday  was  taken  up,  being  the  Re- 
port of  the  Committee  on  the  interruption  of  w-orship  in  our  churches. 
The  Report  was  received  and  adopted,  and  is  as  follows  : 

The  noble  behavior  of  our  people  in  this  time  of  trial  is  a  subject  for 
thanksgiving,  and  ought  to  meetavith  no  discouragement  on  the  part  of  the 
church  or  any  of  its  judicatories.  Even  when  it  extends  to  the  forsaking  of 
pulpits  by  miuisters,  and  the  giving  up  of  churches  for  high  military  ends, 
it  is  a  part  of  a  system  of  sacrifices  which  our  county  undoubtedly  demands, 
and  for  which  our  church,  so  far  as  she  is  faithful,  will  not  be  allowed  to 
suffer. 

Nevertheless  we  sympathize  deeply  with  those  congregations  that  are  thus 
called  upon  to  make  saciifices,  and  enjoin  it  upon  their  sessions  and  private 
members,  by  social  meetings  and  by  public  assemblages  for  prayer,  to  keep 
up. the  habits  of  the  church,  and  to  maintain  the  spirit  of  devotion. 

^Ve  think  it  high  time  also  to  enquire  whether  the  more  regular  worship  of 
God  may  not  in  more  cases  be  restored.  Ministers,  by  a  proper  self  denial 
in  re.«pcct  to  the  freedom  of  their  expresssions,  without  a  trace  of  servility 
or  shade  of  even  imagined  disloyalty  to  their  country,  may  find  it  safe  to  go 
back  to  their  posts  :  and  elders,  in  a  still  greater  number  of  cases,  may  find 
it  possible  to  famish  some  other  building  for  a  hospital  or  for  military  stores 
than  their  church,  and  thus  by  a  liitle  exertion,  worship  may  be  restored  in 
a  number  of  neighborhoods. 

The  Synod  enjoins  it  upon  our  Presbyteries  to  have  a  vigilant  regard  for 
our  interests  in  this  respect ;  and  as  one  great  object  of  our  meetings  is  to 
give  efliiciency  and  permanent  arrangement  to  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  all 
over  the  St;ite,  the  churches  are  entreated  not  to  allow  this  war  unnecessarily 
to  interrupt  their  services,  and  at  a  time  of  peculiar  temptations,  not  to  allow 
the  ministrations  of  the  gospel  unnecessarily  to  disappear  from  the  land. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  report  on  the  duty  of  the  church  with 
reference  to  the  Ciia[)lains  for  the  hospitals  and  the  army,  reported, 
and  the  Report  was  accepted.  A  motion  was  made  to  adopt,  and 
pending  the  discussion,  the  subject  was,  on  motion,  laid  on  the  table, 
and  made  the  order  of  the  day  for  to-morrow  morning  at  9^  o'clock. 
^  It  was  also  cesolved  tiiat  the  hour  for  recess  to-morrow  sliall  be  12 
o'clock,  "M. 

Synod  took  a  recess  till  7^  o'clook,  P.  M. 

After  recess  Synod  met. 


308  SYNOD   OF   VIRaiNTA, 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Records  of  Montgomery 
Presbytery  was  taken  up,  and  the  Records  were  approved  as  far  as 
written,  with  the  exception  that  on  paije  323  it  ai)pears  the  Presby- 
tery dispensed  with  requiring  a  Latin  Exegesis  from  a  candidate  for 
Licensure,  or  any  similar  exercise. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  McFarland  presented  liis  report  as  Treasurer  of  Sy- 
nod, which,  with  the  Treasurer's  Book  and  vouchers,  was  referred  to 
an  auditing  Committee,  consisting  of  Elders  E.  Phleger  and  J.  B. 
I.  Logan. 

A  communication  was  received  from  Rev.  J.  G.  Shepperson,  as- 
signing reasons  for  his  absence  from  the  last  and  present  meeting  of 
Synod,  wliich  were  sustained. 

The  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Church  presented  tlieir  Report, 
during  the  reading  of  which  Synod  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morn- 
ing at  9  o'clock. 

Closed  with  prayer. 

Saturday  Morning,  Oct.  4th,  9  o'clock. 

Synod  met  and  was  opened  with  prayer. 

After  half  an  hour  spent  in  devotional  service,  the  roll  was  called, 
and  the  Minutes  of  yesterday's  sessions  were  read  and  approved. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Granbury,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South, 
and  Rev.  J.  A.  Latane,  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  being 
present,  were  invited  to  sit  as  corresponding  raemhers. 

The  Rev.  T.  L.  Preston  appeared  and  gave  satislactory  reasons  for 
tardiness. 

The  order  of  the  day  for  9^  o'clock,  being  the  report  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  the  duty  of  the  church  in  regard  to  Chaplains  for  the  hos- 
pitals and  the  army,  was  taken  up  and  read.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Gran- 
bury, being  a  Chaplain  in  the  army,  having  been  invited,  addressed 
the  Synod  on  the  subject. 

After  farther  discussion,  and  the  time  of  recess  having  arrived, 
it  was  resolved  to  omit  ])ublic  worship  this  morning,  and  proceed 
with  the  discussion.  Wliilo  the  discussion  was  still  pending,  Synod 
resolved  to  take  a  recess  till  4  o'clock,  P.  M.  The  services  were  closed 
with  singing,  reading  the  Scriptures  and  prayer. 

After  recess  Synod  met. 

The  Committee  on  Union  Theological  Seminary  reported,  and 
their  report  was  accented  and  adopted,  and  is  as  follows  :  [See  Ap- 
pendix.] 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  annual  report  of  the 
Board  of  Directors  of  Union  Theological  Seminary,  find  nothing 
therein  calling  for  thu  special  attentioo  of  the  Synod,  unless  it  be 
the  fact  that  about  .$10,000  of  subscriptions  to  the  endowment  re- 
main yet  uncollected.  This  certainly  should  be  attended  to  by  the 
Directors. 

Resolved,  That  M.  D.  Hoge,  D.  D.  and  J.  B.  Ramsey,  D.  D.  and  Mr.  0 
C  Read,  whose  term  of  office  as  Directors  has  expired,  be  re-appeint**'' 


SYNOD"  OF  VIRQINIA.  .  309 

The  Committee  a]ipointe(l  to  audit  the  Trcnsnffr's  accounts,  re- 
ported tliiit  tlu'}'  liave  eXMniined  the  same  and  find  them  corre«t. 

In  order  to  make  up  the  delicicncyreportcd  by  the  Treasurer,  and 
to  prevent  any  deficiency  in  future,  tlie  Committee  recommend  tliat 
Winchester  Presbytery  he  assessed  $15,  and  that  S18  be  added  to  tiie 
assessments  upon  the  other  Presbyteries,  as  fbUows  :  ♦ 

Add  to  Lexiiifrton  Presbytery  $2,  and  make  the  assessment  -           $30 

«         Kast  HiiMover     "           2             ......             .  ,        30 

"         Greenbrier          "            2             "         "         "         .  -             15 

'<         Motitcroinery       "           2             ..         «         <<             .  .         15 

]{oanolvP              "            5             .......  .            20 

West  Hanover  "           5           •«.«...             .  .        20 

This  rcjjorted  was  athijjtcMl. 

The  Committee  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lexin<rton,  appointed  to 
pi'epare  a  Minute  respeetinj;  the  deatii  of  a  memlier  of  Synod  withjn 
their  bounds,  i-i'jjurted  the  loHowing,  which  was  adoptetl : 

The  Commitlee  app.Mnted  to  prepare  a  Miii"le  in  ref(^rencc  to  the  death 
■of  Rev.  John  M.  Gouf  a  member  of  this  Synod,  present  the  following  re- 
port :  • 

Mr.  Goul  m;;de  a  proles^ion  of  failh  at  an  early  aije.  lie  was  a  graduate 
of  Wasliington  Collegf ,  in  this  8iatp,  where  he  nia'Je  good  attainments  in 
literature  and  ihe  scii'Uf  es  ;  and  passed  tlirongh  the  couise  of  Theological 
study  at  the  Union  7'!jeological  Setninary,  prepa  atory  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry.  Ife  was  lie  .nsed  to  preach  as  a  probationer  lor  the  Go.-pel  minis- 
try by  the  Lexington  j.-'iesbylery,  and  not  long  bufore  his  death  was  ordained 
by  the  same  Pre>byl.erv  as  ;in  evangelist,  He  pieached  with  acceptance  in 
many  of  our  .hnichcs,  and  was  for  some  time  s'j-'.ted  supply  of  Providence 
church  in  Louisa  ounty,  where  he  made  many  warm  friends,  and  preached 
and  labored  with  fidelity  and  .-success. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  war  he  entered  the  army  as  a  member  of  the  Rock- 
bridge Artillery,  the  famous  Pondleton  JJattery,  where  he  proved  himself  a 
brave  and  eflirient  soldier,  and  yet  reinembering  that  he  was  an  officer  umler 
the  C?ipt:iin  of  our  salvation,  he  evermore  sought  by  word,  by  examfde,  and 
by  preaching,  as  oppo.'-tnnity  ofTered.  to  eiuist  soldiers  h.r  the  army  of  King 
Emmanuid.  As  soon  as  the  term  of  hi-  enlistment  e.pired,  he  sought  a  com- 
mi^sion  as  missionary  to  Ihe,  army,  in  which  service  he  had  been  ong'ged 
but  one  month,  wla  n  his  labors  weie  inlprrii|)trd  by  the  painful,  as  it  pioved 
fatal  illness  oli  a  youirg  and  deaily  loved  broiluT,  by  wlios«'  bedside  he  watch,  d 
with  the  tendere-t  as>i(luitv,  and  who-e  remains  he  removed  to  his  bir'h 
place  for  buriid,  inlendii^,  when  this  sid  oflice  ol  friendship  w.is  finished,  to 
xeturn  immediately  to  his  labors  in  iht-  nrmy.  l')ul  G.)d  oideied  otherwise. 
Scarcely  had  he  Luiird  his  brother,  when  he  w;is  .seized  with  a  malitrnaiit 
attack  (if  typhoid  levrj-,  which  in  a  few  days  removed  him  from  the  l;ind  of 
the  living.  He  died  on  the  .Oih  of  August,  1802,  and  then  another  name, 
(and  how  many  they  have  been  in  o.ie  brief  year)  was  stricken  from  our 
roll,  and  another  removed  from  the  church  on  earlh  to  join,  as  we  confidently 
believe,  that  ever  increasing  multitude  of  "the  spirits  of  the  just  made  per- 
fect' in  heaven. 

His  wise  sen^e   of  propriety,  his  •'ncial   talent.'',  his   freedom   from  every- 
thing like  Banctimonioua  cant,  gave  him  a  alrong  hold  upon  the  aflcctions  of 
3 


310  SYNOD    OF  VIRGINIA.  * 

all,  especially  the  youngr.  and  opened  before  him  a  cheering  promise  of  use- 
fulness, whil"^  his  habitual  cheerfulness  ever  tended  to  dispel  that  common 
delusion  of  the  world  that  religion  is  a  gloomy  and  sorrowful  thing;  and  to 
show  that  it  is  not  intended  (o  dry  up  the  joy  of  our  youth,  but  only  to  chas- 
ten and  purify  and  make  it  perennial. 

We  are  thus  called  to  trust  Gol's  cause  more  entirely  to  him,  and  not  to 
trust  in  man  whose  breath  is  in  his  nostrils.  We  are  admonished,  brethien, 
to  be  more  faithful,  for  the  night  soon  comcth  ;  and  we  are  taught  to  pray 
more  earnestly  that  God  would  end  more  laborers  into  his  harvest,  which  is 
plenteous;  while  from  the  thin  ra  .ks  of  the  laborers  God  is  calling  many 
away,  leaving  their  fields  to  be  garnered  by  others,  or  to  perish  unreaped. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

C.  S.  M.  See,  Chairman. 

Rev.  M.  W.  Woodwortb,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Winchester,  ap- 
peared and  gave  satisfactDry  reasons  for  tardiness. 

The  unfinished  bnsiness  of  the  morning  was  taken  up,  being  the 
report  of  the  Committee  on  the  duty  of  tbe  church  to  the  hospitals 
and  tiie  array,  and  the  resolutions  were  taken  up  seriatim  and  adopt- 
ed, as  follows : 

• 

1.  Resolved,  That  the  Synod  recommend  to  all  under  their  care  the  estab- 
lishment of  Wayside  Hon  es  of  R<^st,  for  the  temporary  relief  of  sick  and 
wounded  soldiers  in  tinnsiiu;  with  the  express  understanding,  that  those 
who  have  the  management  of  those  renting  places,  be  enjoined  to  prevent 
any  abuse  of  these  provisions  on  the  part  of  soldiers,  who  inight  be  disposed 
to  linger  longer  than  the  necessities  of  their  condition  absolutely  demanded. 

It  is  further  earnestly  recommended  th.it  those  who  have  charge  of  these 
houses  of  refreshment,  ob|f.jin,  when  practicable,  the  co  operation  of  Provost 
Marshals  in  aiding  the-e  passing  soldiers,  and  in  preveniing  ui.due  loitering. 
And  it  is  recommended  to  Pastors  and  to  the  churches  within  whose  limits 
these  houses  of  rest  ma}-  be  established,  acting  through  tlu'ir  Deacons,  or 
such  other  agency  as  may  be  deemed  expedient,  to  attend  to  the  supply  of 
religions  reading  in  each  of  them 

2.  Resolved,  That  l!ev.  \ioses  D.  Hoj;e,  D.  D.,  be  appointed  a  Commis- 
sioner on  the  part  of  this  Synod,  in  reference  to  obtaining  Chaplains,  espe- 
cially for  regiments  raised  within  the  bounds  of  this  Synod  ;  and  that  it  shall 
be  his  duty  to  ascertain  what  regiments  are  unsupplied  with  Chaplains  ;  to 
hold  correspondence  with  the  Colonels  of  these  regiments  in  regard  to  filling 
such  vacancies  ;  to  receive  the  suggestions  of  the  Committed  of  Domestic 
Missions  of  the  Presbyteries,  as  to  men  suitable  for  Chaplains  ;  and  to  aid 
in  obtaining  co  nnissixis  for  those  thus  recommenced. 

3.  Resolved.  That  Synod  recommend  to  all  their  Ministers,  who  may  be 
able  to  labor  as  Chapl.iins  in  the  armv,  seriously' to  consider  whether  it  is  not 
their  duty  to  seek  such  a  position  ;  and  to  all  our  church  officers  and  mem- 
bers seriously  to  consider  whether  they  have  done,  or  are  doing  all  they 
ought  to  do  for  the  religious  instruction  and  warning  of  the  soldiers  in  the 
army,  and  in  the  hospitals. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  Minute  expressive  of  the 
sense  of  this  Synod  in  regard  to  the  death  of  the  Rev.  James  H. 


SYNOD   OF   VIRGINIA.  311 

Thornwell,  D.  D.,  of  the  Synod  of  Sontli   Carolina,  reported  the 
following,  which  was  unanimously  adopted: 

The  Synod  of  Virginia,  participatinp:  in  the  great  bereavement  which  the 
Presbyterian  church  of  the  Confederate  States  has  suffered  in  the  death  of 
Rev.  James  H.  Thornwell,  D.  D.,  places  on  record  this  expression  of  its  pro- 
found sense  of  the  heavy  calamity  wiiich  it  has  pleased  the  All-wise  Head  of 
the  church  thus  to  intlict. 

We  mourn  the  loss  of  one,  on  whom  God  had  most  eminently  bestowed 
the  gifts  and  graces,  so  highly  essential  to  the  right  performance  of  ministe- 
terial  functions,  of  the  highest  importance  in  disseminating  the  great  princi- 
ples of  the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God.  * 

To  rare  endowments  of  natural  intellect  he  added  a  vast  fund  of  knowl- 
edge, not  only  of  the  doctrines  which  diHtif)gui>h  the  Christian  scheme,  but 
also  of  all  those  departments  of  learning  by  which  the  acquisition,  defence 
and  inculcation  of  tho^e  doctrines  are  so  effectually  aided.  He  was  "  mighty 
in  the  Scriptures,"  fully  meet  for  sustaining,  by  argument,  their  divine  au- 
thority, an  I  peeuliii7'ly  able  in  expounding,  illustrating  and  enforcing  their 
truths.  The  loved  theme  of  his  preaching  was  eiTi[)hatically  Jesus  Christ 
and  Him  crucified  ;  and  the  whole  scope  of  his  theologic.il  teaching  was  to 
humble  human  pride  and  exalt  the  God  of  all  grace,  as  revealed  to  man  in 
the  Gospel  of  Hisj^on 

But  not  only  as  the  preacher  and  teacher  of  'I  heo'ogy  did  he  cominand  the 
admiration  of  the  church.  He  was  as  fully  conver.-anl;  with  the  facts  of 
Church  History,  and  the  great  prin<iples  of  Church  Government  as  with  the 
peculiar  doctrines  of  salviitioii.  On  conviction  for  which  he  w^as  ever  pre- 
pared to  give  the  mo«t  Conclusive  reasotis.  he  was  a  Presbyterian.  Next  to 
glorying  in  the  Cioss.  he  gloried  in  the  Calvanistn  of  the  Cross,  and  in  that 
system  of  church  order  which  he  believed  aloi.e  fully  consistent  with  the 
doctrinal  standaids  of  the  Westminster  Assembly.  If  in  some  of  the  views 
he  so  forcibly  piesented,  any  of  his  hietliien  could  not  conscientiously  agree, 
they  were  cofistrnined  to  regret  a  ditfeience^from  one  who  urged  his  opinions 
with  such  ability  and  in  a  spirit  of  such  Christian  meekness  and  love. 

In  the  courtesy  of  the  Christian  oentleman,  the  genial  cordiality  of  the 
iffectionate  friend,  and  (he  guilelessness  and  simplicity  of  the  humble  disci- 
:iple  of  Jesus,  he  truly  adorned  in  his  lil'e,  that  Gospel  he  proclaimed  with 
*uch  eloquence,  tenderness  and  power. 

Thus,  though  "his  bodily  presence  wa^'weak,"  his  mental  and  moral  qual- 
ities combined  to  give  him  an  efficiency  in  the  pulpit,  the  hall  of  Theology 
and  the  church,  which  has  seldom  been  equalled,  and  never  exceeded  by  any 
one  man  in  our  ecclesiastical  connection.  The  recollection  of  his  brief,  but 
brilliant  career  fills  our  hearts  with  mingled  emotions  of  gratitude  and  grief; 
the  one,  that  God  bestowed  on  our  church  such  a  gift ;  the  other  that  He 
has  taken  him  from  us  at  this  crisis.  Though  bowed  in  sorrow  we  would  fain 
submissively  acknowledge  His  hand  and  invoke  His  grace,  enabling  us  to  say, 
"The  Lord  gave  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away — blessed  be  the  name  of  the 
Lord." 

It  was  ordered  thnt  the  time  for  contributions  by  Roanoke  Presby- 
tery be  tlife  same  as  that  of  West  Hanover,  and  for  Winchester  Pres- 
bytery the  same  as  Greenbrier  ;  and  that  the  word  "committee"  be 
substituted  for  Board  in  the  printed  scheme. 

The  unfinished  business  of  yesterday,  the  reading  of  the  report  on 


312  SYNOD   OF   \7RGrNIA. 

the  Stato  of  tbe  Clmrch,  was  resumed  and  concluded,  and  the  report 
was  jiecx'pted.      Wheieii[)on  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Synod  be  tendered  to  Rev.  A  W.  Mil- 
ler lor  the  diliofeiice,  ri!.<earch  and  a'lillty  displayed  in  tlie  fulfillment  of  the 
order  of  Sjnod,  in  his  report  on  the  State  of  the  Church. 

Tiie  Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtnres  reported  that  no  business 
had  been  ])ut  ioto  their  iiands,  except  the  consideration  of  the  sub- 
ject of  fixinj^a  regular  time  for  tlie  meetiujjjs  of  Synod  ;  in  reference 
to  which  they  rep<yt,  that  the  fixing  of  such  time  is  inexpedient 
now.     The  report  was  accepted  and  atU>pted. 

The  Judicial  Committee  reported  that  no  business  had  been  put 
into  their  hands,  and  they  were  acQordin^ly  discharged. 

Synod  took  recess  till  7^  o'clock. 

After  recess  Synod  met. 

The  Committee  on  the  Minutes  of  the  Gener:tl  Assembly  reported 
calling  the  attention  of  the  Synod  to  resolutions  No.  1  and  2,  on 
})a>4e  15,  in  reference  toob.serviug  the  last  Thursday  of  February  as 
a  day  of  special  prayer  for  our  youth,  &c.  Also  recommending  to 
our  churches,  oil  the  last  Sahbitliin  every  mouth,  to  offer  special 
prayer  for  our  baptized  young  men  in  the  army.  The  report  was  re- 
ceived and  approved. 

The  Committee  on  Leave  of  Absence  reported  that  they  had  ex- 
cused for  absence  from  the  last  two  meetings  of  Synod  Rev.  S.  R. 
Houston  and  Rev.  P.  M.  Custer. , 

For  absence  from  the  last  meeting  :  Rev.  Messrs.  Enoch  Thomas, 
Wm.  G.  Campbell,  J.  M.  Rice,  John  Miller,  D.  C.  Irwin,  and  A. 
Hart. 

For  absence  from  the  present  meeting  :  After  Thursday  morning, 
Rev.   Wm.  Pinkerton,  « 

After  the  session  of  Fridav,  Rev.  Charles  Beach,  Wm.  S.  White, 
D.  D.,  Geo.  W.  White,  S.  R.  Houston,  Samu'l  Brown,  Thomas  W. 
White  and  Luther  Emerson.  Elders  A.  J.  Bundurant,  Wm.  N. 
McCutchan,  Littlebury  Moon  and  Harvey  Bear. 

After  Saturday  morning.  Rev.  P.  M.  Custer,  H.  "B.  Rose,  N.  W.- 
Calhoon  and  R.  P.  Kennedy. 

After  Satuiday  afternoon.  Elder  William  Van  Lear. 

The  repoit  was  accepted  and  a[)proved. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  Synod  be  tendered  to  the  various  churches 
which  have  offered  their  houses  of  worship  to  the  use  of  the  Synod  ;  and 
likewise  to  the  citizens  of  Staunton  for  their  kindness  and  hospitality. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  the  Narrative  on  the  State  of 
Religion  within  tlie  bounds  of  the  Synod,  made  their  report,  which 
was  accepted  and  adopted,  and  ordered  to  be  published  in  the  Cea- 
tral  Presbyterian,  and  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  Synod. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  E.  Peck  was  afipointed  to  ])reach  the  synodical 
sermon  at  the  next  nieeting  of  Synod,  on  the  subject  of  the  relation 
between  the  church  an:l  the  State ;  and  the  Rev.*  Williaoi  H.  Foote, 
D.-D.,  his  alieraate. 


SYNOD    OF   VIRGINIA.  313 

A   communication   was  made  to  Synod  to  the  effect  that  certain 

legacies  had   been  bequeathed  to  the  Boards  of ,  by , 

anl  that  the  legal  representative  of  said  testator  expressed  a  readi- 
ness to  pay  over  said  bequests  to  the  Commiitees  of .     But  in 

view, of  legal  and  other  difficulties  in  the  case,  Synod  is  not  prepared 
to  give  a  deliverance  in  the  premises.     Whereupon  it  was 

Resolved,  That  Rev.  Fjancis  McFarland,  D.  D.,  and  S.  McD.  Reid,  Esq., 
be  a  committee  to  make  further  investigation,  and  to  act  in  the  premises  on 
their  best  judgment. 

The  committee  appointed  to  .procure  an  amendment  to  the  charter 
of  the  Union  Theological  Seminary  were  not  prepared  to  report,  and, 
on  motion,  were  continued  and  ordered  to  report  at  the  next  meet- 
ing. 

Resolved,  That  the  standing  rule,  requiring  the  appointment  of  a  Commit- 
tee on  the  State  of  the  Church,  be  rescinded. 

The  minutes  of  this  days  sessions  were  read  and  approved. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Salem  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  Oc- 
tober,. 1863,  at  7  o'clock  P.  M.,  and  was  closeel  with  singiug,  prayer, 
and  the  apostolic  benediction. 

W.  J.  HOGE,  Iloderator. 

J.  D.  Dudley,  )  ^,    , 

D.  C.  Irwin,     j  ^'^*^^- 
Francis  McFarland,  Stated  Clerk. 


314  SYNOD  OF   VIRGINIA. 


APPENDIX. 


NARRATIVE  OF  THE  STATE  OF  RELIGION. 

In  taking  a  review  of  the  year  that  has  passed  since  the  last  meeting  of 
the  Synod  of  Virginia,  it  is  our  first  duty  and  our  happy  privilege  to  render 
to  our  covenant-keeping  God  the  tribute  of  uur  humble,  sincere  and  hearty 
thanks. 

The  period  that  has  just  elapsed  is  one  of  no  ordinary  moment.  It  is  a 
period  that  is  destined  to  be  memorable  in  the  annals  both  of  church  and 
State  ;  a  period  that  has  been  encompassed  by  the  darkness  and  the  mists  of 
death  ;  and  yet  a  period  signalized  by  the  shock  of  revolution,  and  the 
glory  of  heroic  and  victorious  resistance.  The  fenrful  strugi^le  in  which  . 
during  this  time  our  noblest  energies  have  been  tasked  to  the  uttermost,  has 
been  no  heated  discussion  of  the  forum,  or  the  deliberative  floor,  but  has  been 
conducted  over  many  an  agonizing  battle-field,  "with  the  noise  of  the  warrior, 
and  with  garments  rolled  \i^  blood."  At  first  God  did  not  seem  to  smile  upon 
our  defensive  operations.  Disaster  followed  hard  upon  disaster,  until  the 
faith  of  some  were  ready  to  fail.  But  the  Lord  put  it  into  the  heart  of  the 
Chief  Executive  oflicerof  the  netion  to  call  upon  the  Christians  of  the  en- 
tire country  to  humble  themselves*  with  fasting,  acknowledgment  and 
prayer. 

The  appointed  day  was  in  July  and  extensively  observed  ;  "and  like  a 
column  of  sweet  smelling  incense,  the  united  supplications  of  the  whole 
people  went  up  before  the  God  of  battles,  and  was  graciously  accepted 
through  the  intercessions  of  our  great  High  Priest.  Almost  before  the 
weeping  worshippers  had  risen  from  their  knees,  the  answer  came  ;  and 
gloriously  did  God  at  length  avenge  his  own  elect,  who  now  continued  to 
cry  unto  him  day  and  night,  and  to  present  to  him  the  .sacrifice  of  broken 
hearts.  Our  prayers  were  heard  ;  we  were  wonderfully  deli^'ered  out  of  the 
hands  of  our  enemies;  and  now  followed  a  solemn  but  most  delightful  season 
of  thanksgiving  a  praise.  Again  our  God-fearing  President  called  upon  the 
suffering  church  of  Christ,  throughout  the  Confederacy,  to  assemble  in  t!.eir 
various  places  of  worship,  no  longer  for  purposes  of  humiliation,  but  for  the 
sweeter  offices  of  adoring  gratitude  and  joy.  The  holy  time  was  sacredly 
observed,  and  thousands  of  Christ's  saints  that  day  were  refreshed  and  ex- 
alted in  their  King.  Since  the  date  of  this  proclamation,  a  new  series  of 
victories  has  accompanied  the  march  of  our  armies,  and  as  a  church  we 
would  again  "call  upon  our  souls  to  bless  the  Lord,  and  all  that  is  within  us 
to  magnify  His  holy  name." 

The  contrast  presented  between  the  position  of  the  Synod  to-day  and  the 
position  of  the  same  body  a  year  ago,  is  broad  and  striking.  We  were  then 
emerging  from  the  agitating  scenes  which  attended  the  separation  of  t^outhern 
Presbyteries  from  the  Presbyteries  of  the  North.  We  are -now,  by  the  good 
hand  of  our  God  upon  us,  au-piciously  united  with  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  church  in  the  Confederate  States  of  America,  and  already 
— as  we  would  fain  trust  and  pray — like  him  who  in  the  apocalyptic  vision, 
rode  upon  the  white  horse,  go  forth  "conquering  and  to  conquer." 


SYIIOD   OP   VIRGINIA.  315 

The  year  that  has  just  closed  has  been  pre-eminently  a  year  of  conflict  and 
a  year  of  trial.  It  has  been,  in  the  case  of  most  of  our  churches,  a  season 
of  probation,  and  it  is  our  now  unwavering  conviction,  that  while  many  false 
professors  have  been  discovered,  and  the  love  of  many  has  waxed  cold,  the 
souls  of  those  whom  Jesus  Christ  has  loved  and  purchased,  have  been  "puri- 
fied as  gold  that  is  tried  in  the  fire," 

The  attendance  on  the  ordinances  of  religion  has,  in  many  places,  been 
necessarily  interrupted  ;  but  on  the  whole  the  indications  of  a  desire  and  de- 
termination on  the  part  of  Clod's  people  to  keep  up  the  ministrations  of  the 
sanctuary,  have  been  cheering.  It  has  been  the  painful  lot  of  several  of 
our  ministers  to  labor  within  the  lines  of  the  enemy.  Others,  under  similar 
circumstances,  have  felt  it  to  be  their  duty  to  seek  other  and  more  inviting 
fields. 

The  attendance  on  the  weekly  prayer-meeting  has  been  seriously,  though 
not  perhaps — in  the  majority  of  our  churches — injuriously  diminished.  The 
war  has  taken  off  most  of  the  male  members  of  our  congregations,  but 
others  have  come  in  to  take  the  places,  and  the  attendance  of  females  has 
been  increased. 

Due  regard  has  been  paid  by  pastgrs  and  sessions  to  the  importance  of 
maintaining  Catechetical  instruction,  the  Bible-class  and  the  Sabbath  school. 

The  contributions  of  the  past  year  to  benevolent  objects  have  of  course 
been  curtailed  ;  but  the  spirit  of  Christian  liberality,  especially  in  behalf  of 
our  soldiers,  has  been  greatly  awakened  and  put  in  exercise.  The  devotion 
of  our  people  to  the  army  and  the  cause  of  the  country,  has  perhaps  no 
parallel  in  history  ;  and  these  emotions  of  patriotic  ardor  and  tender  natural 
affection,  have  in  innumerable  instances  sought  a  common  channel  with  the 
sweetest  and  most  precious  outgushings  of  the  Christian  heart. 

In  some  places  union  weekly  prayer  meetings  have  been  held,  and  often 
■with  the  most  gratifying'results.  A  spirit  of  earnest  supplication  has  per- 
vaded many  communities  in  which  our  church  is  strongly  represented,  and 
prayers  have  ascended  to  God  from  bursting  hearts  that  he  would  remember 
the  desolations  of  Zion.  If  it  is  to  be  feared,  from  the  narratives  of  our 
Presbyteries,  that  petitions  for  temporal  blessings  have  far  exceeded  in  num- 
ber and  in  fervency  those  for  spipitual  mercies  ;  at  the  same  time  it  is  not  to 
be  denied  that  there  has  been  and  is  still  discernable  a  general  and  mostmn- 
usual  sense  of  dependence  upon  God,  and  a  constant  recognition  of  the  favor 
and  the  chastisements  of  a  divine  and  superintending  Providence.  The  in- 
fiuence  of  the  war  upon  us  has  been  profound  and  complex.  While  it  hag 
drawn  off*  the  bulk  of  our  fighting  population  from  their  homes,  thi^'ir  avoca- 
tions and  the  sanctuary  of  God,  it  has  tlyown  upon  our  watchful  care  great 
numbers  of  those  who  have  been  driven  before  the  hurtful  sword  of  the  in- 
vader. This  circumstance  has  modified  if  it  has  not  increased  our  opportu- 
nities, and  has  added  to  our  obligations  and  responsibilities  in  the  sight  of 
God. 

Mnc  I  of  the  attention  of  the  church  has  been  directed  to  the  work  of 
Chapl.iincies  in  the  hospitals,  the  camp,  and  in  the  field,  and  the  blessing  of 
our  heavenly  Father  has  rested  abundnntly  on  these  labors  of  self-sacrifice 
and  love.  At  the  same  timp  there  has  been  nothing  like  a  wide-spread  re- 
vival of  religion,  and  there  has  been  sad  room  for  improvement  in  the  fre- 
quency and  character  of  the  efforts  that  have  been  put  forth  by  the  servants 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  to  brmg  about  this  glorious  result. 

In  the  retrospect  of  the  year  which  has  thus  drawn  to  a  close,  there  is 
much  to  cause  the  heart  of  the  beliover  to  "bow  the  head  as  a  bullrush"  and 
weep  amidst  the  willows  and  the  streams  of  Babel.     There  are  symptoms  la 


116  SYNOD   OF  VIRGINIA. 

some  quarters  of  declension  and  decay.  There  is  not  to  be  seen  ''as  in  llie 
days  af  old,"  "the  years  of  the  riglit  hand  of  the  3]o.st  High,"  the  spectacle 
of  those  who  "fly  as  a  cloud,  and  as  the  doves  to  their  windows."  The 
ways  of  Zion  have  often  seemed  to  languish  :  apostacies  have  been  frequent ; 
and  the  providence  no  less  than  the  word  of  God  has  proved  ''a  discerner  of 
the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the  heart." 

But  if  the  war  has  brought  with  it  its  peculiar  sufferings  and  temptation?, 
soalso  has  it  conferred  its  peculiar  blessings. 

Blessed  be  God,  we  have  much  to  encourage  as  well  as  to  depress  us,  in 
this  our  annual  review.  He  has,  in  the  evolution  of  his  inscrutable  and 
holy  plan,  opened  to  us  many  "wide  doors  and  effoctual,''  which  before  were 
barred  at  our  approach  ;  and  even  in  this  time  of  rebuke  and  tiibulation  has 
"commanded  his  loving  kindness  in  the  day-time,  and  in  the  night  his  song 
has  been  with  us." 

The  past  year  has  been  a  year  not  only  of  sadness  and  trial,  but  of  be- 
reavement. The  number  of  reverend  and  dearly  beloved  ministers  of  the 
word  who  have  been  translated  from  the  church  on  earth  to  the  church  in 
heaven,  is  absolutely  without  example.  "These  all  died  in  faith,"  and  in 
the  consolations  and  triumphs  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

We  are  moreover  called  tQ  mourn  the  decease  of  an  unusual  number  of 
theological  students,  matriculates  of  our  own  cherished  in^titution  in  Prince 
Edward,  and  it  is  the  wish  of  Synod  in  this  public  manner  to  give  perpetua- 
tion to  their  names.     The  following  is  the  Llood-stained  roll : 

Samuel  M.  Lightner,  who  was  wounded  in  the  first  battle  of  Manassas,  but 
recovered  and  re-entered  the  army,  where  he  died  of  a  fever. 

J.  W.  McCown,  who  fell  asleep  at  home,  never  having  connected  himself 
with  the  army. 

Hugh  A.  White,  who  was  smitten  on  the  high  places  of  the  field  in  the 
second  battle  of  Manassas, 

James  M.  Lynch,  who  had  nearly  completed  his  theological  course,  and 
fell  a  victim  to  disease  contracted  in  the  camp. 

And  Edgar  W.  Canington,  whose  promising  career  was  cut  short  at  the 
battle  of  Seven  Pines.  "Blessed  be  the  dead  whirh  die  in  the  Lord,  ior.ihey 
shall  rest  from  their  labors  and  their  works  shall  follow  them." 

In  view  of  our  grievous  shortcomings  in  the  past,  we  would  in  humble  re- 
liance on  his  mercy,  and  the  virtue  of  his  obedience  and  dying  blood,  roll 
the  heavy  burden  of  our  guilt  and  sorrow  on  the  breast  of  Jesus,  the  friend 
of  sinners  and  the  great  Head  of  the  cluirch  ;  ai.d  "forgetting  the  things 
which  are  behind,"  would  press  forwaid  with  redoubled  aclivi  y  and  zeal,  in 
anticipation  of  the  day  when  the  s«cramental  host  of  the  Redeemed  now 
militant  shall  return  triumphant,  "fair  as  the  moon,  clear  as  the  sun,  and  ter- 
rible as  an  army  with  banners." 

With  renewed  expressions  of  our  gratitude  to  God  for  his  unnumbered 
anJ  unmerited  mercies,  we  would  oncemoie  "set  up  ourKbenczer,  and  say 
hiiherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us."  And  "now  unto  the  King  Eternal,  im- 
mortal, ihvisjble,  the  only  wise  God,  be  honor  and  gloiy  forever  and  ever, 
Amen." 


SYNOD    OP   VIRGINIA.  31 T 


ANNUAL  REPORT 

OF  THE  DIRECTORS  OF  UNION  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  TO 
THE  SYNOD  OF  VIRGINIA. 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  Union  Theological  Seminary,  herewith  present 
their  annua!  report,  as  follows,  viz  : 

I.  Students. — The  regular  exercises  of  the  Institution  ha\^  been  attePLl- 
ed  to  for  the  larger  part  of  the  last  Session  with  less  interruption  than  niight 
have  beeii  expected  from  the  distracted  condition  of  the  country  ;  and  all 
the  departments  of  study  have  been  regularly  pursued,  so  far  as  circum- 
.slauces  have  allowed.  The  following  eleven  new  studeuts  have  been  received 
during  the  year,  viz  : 

Padce  Poiiidcxter  Flournoy,  a  member  of  the  First  Presbyterian  church, 
Richmond,  Va.,  and  graduate  of  Hampden  Sidney  College. 

Imac  Pdncakf.  Heiskill,  member  of  Romney  church,  Presbytery  of  Win- 
chester, and  student  of  the  University  of  Virginia. 

Jukii  K  Hisner,  member  of  College  church.  Presbytery  cf  West  Hanover, 
and  student  of  University  of  Virginia. 

Jonrth  W.  Lvpton,  member  of  First  Presbyterian  church,  Alleghany  city, 
Pa.,  and  student  of  Western  Theological  Seminary  of  the  UnUed  Stales. 

Ed-unrd  Hamrnet  Barnet,  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  Christians- 
burg.  Va.,  in  Montgomery  Presbytery  and  graduate  of  Hampden  Sidney 
Coilego. 

Saviuel  Valentine  McCorkh,  member  of  the  Independent  Presbyterian 
church  in  Greenville,  Eu^t  Tennessee,  and  graduate  of  Princeton  College. 

JVdt/ian  Backman,  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  Kingport,  East 
Tennessee,  cotuiected  \Vith  the  United  Synod,  graduate  of  Emory  and  Henry 
College,  and  studeut  of  Union  Theological  Seminary  in  New  York  city. 

D'lvid  tomfurt,  member  of  the  Village  church  in  Roanuke  I'resbytery, 
gradu'ite  of  iiampJen  Sidney  College,  and  student  of  Princeton  Theological 
Seminary. 

Tazewell M.  McCorkle,  member  of  the  First  Presbyterian  church,  Lynch- 
burg, Va.,  and  student  of  H.  S.  College.      * 

Halbuf  Green  II. II,  member  and  elder  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in 
Clarksville,  Va.,  and  graduate  of  H.  S.  College. 

Brice  Benton  Blair,  :i>ember  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  Shippensburg, 
Pa.,  graduate  of  Jefferson   College,  Pa.,  and  student  of  Princeton  Seminary. 

Eleven  of  the  old  students  returned,  making  the  whole  number  in  atten- 
dance during  the  year  twenty-two,  of  these  however  only  four  were  present 
at  the  close  of  the  session,  the  remainder  having  left  the  Seminary  in  Feb- 
ruary and  March,  under  the  urgent  call  of  the  government  for  more  troops, 
or  since  that  for  reasons  growing  out  of  the  state  of  the  country,  and  are 
nearly  all  now  in  the  army. 

Certificates  of  having  completed  the  full  course  of  study  were  given  to  C. 
J.  Armistead,  T.  VV.  Gilmer  and  Jas.  M.  Whirey,  and  also  to  G.  H.  Gilmer, 
Henry  (iilmore  and  Wm.  S.  Lacy,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  portion  at 
the  end  of  the  term,  when  tiny  were  called  to  the  service  of  thei*  country 
in  the  ar:ny. 


ojg  RYNOI>  01'    VIRGINIA. 

IT  LiBRVRY.-Forty-one  volumes  have  been  added  to  ^h^  Library,  all. 
except  one  purchased  at  the  sale  of  a  private  library,  making  the  whole  No. 
of  volumes  now  5,059. 

ITT    FArTTTTY —Tins  is  the  same  as  reported  last  year 

{  Jv  SaTuel  B.  Wilson,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  Pastoral  Theology.  Moral 
«?/"'rnrp    ami  Evidences  of  (.'hristianitv-  .  i    »  i   „:„ 

fReiv    Robert  L.  Dabney,  D.  D..  Professor  of  Systematic  and  Polemic 

Theoln.'V,anci  Sacred  Rhetoric.  r  r»  ■     toi   nr.,1   Rihliral 

3.  l>e\'.  Benjamin   M.  Smith.  D.  D.,  Protessor  of  Oriental  and   Biblical 

^'T\<e^.  Tho:T,a8  E.  Peck,  Professor  of  Church  History  and  Government. 
IV.  The  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  appointed  by  the  Synod 

of  Virginia.  *  .       ^,, 

Ministers.  ^    ^     Ruhng  Elders. 

W.u.  S.  White,  D.  D,  A.  G.  M  Ilwa.ne, 

Samuel  D.  Stuart,  K.  Phieger, 

William  Brown,  D.  D.,  C.  C  Read. 

Jac-.  H.  Titzgerald,  • 

Jas.  H.  Leps, 
M.  D.  Hog.-,  D.  D., 
Jas.  B.  Rdinsey,  D.  D. 

APPOINTED  BY  THE  SYNOD  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA. 

Drury  Lacv,  D.  D..  E.  N>e  Hutchinson.  M.  D., 

J.  P.-McPhersoL.,  N.M.lharr   M.D., 

Thomas  r.  Faucette,  Jesse  H.  Lindsay, 

(ieo.  M.  Gibbs.  R-  V.  Watkins. 

S.  A.  -taiifield,    ' 
S.  0.  Pharr, 
F.  N.  Whaley, 
W.  W.  Pharr. 

APPOINTED  BY  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  WINCHESTER. 

Wm.  H.  Foote,  D.  D.  R-  B.  Sherrard. 

THE    OFFICERS    OF    THE    BOARD    ARE: 

Presiileni.—^ev.  Drury  Lacy,  D.  D. 
\st  Vice  President— Rev.  Jas.  B.  Ramsey. 
2d  Vice  President— Res'.  Wm.  H.  Foote,  D.  D. 
Secretary.— C.  C.  Read,  ICsq. 
Treasxirer.-Y.  N.  Watkins,  Esq.,  of  Farmville. 
V.  The  FuNnTlThe  whole  investments  of  funds  for  direct  sustentat.OD 
and  scholarship,  are  as  follows,  viz  :  ,    ,  ,    ,  „^,,  .u^ 

Total  investments  as  per  Treasurer's  report  of  last  year,  the 
particular  nature  of  which  have  not  been  given  in  report 
o{  this  year,  but  are  presumed  to  be  unchanged,  ^2  000  00 

Added  during  the  last  year,  \ 

•  .  $106,700  00, 


SYNOD   OF   VIKGINIA.  319 

This  amoont  is  subject  to  Ihe  following  deductions,  in  order 

to  show  the  amount  available  for  sustentation,  viz: 
For  defraying  director's  expenses,         ... 
For  Rice  Monument  Fund,  .  .  .  ^ 

For  Library  Fund,  -         -  -  -  - 

For  West  Hanover  scholarship. 
For  Lacy  " 

For  Ladies  ''         -  -  -  - 

For  Devereaux  "  .  .  .  . 

For  Winchester  Presbytery  scholarship, 
For  Lexington  .  "  "  - ,  - 

Fur  Elder's  "  -  - 

For  Pliysieian's  "... 

Deduct  further  the  Winchester  scholarship, 


Leaving  investments  for  direct  sustentation, 
Add  cash  in  estimated  notes  and  bonds, 


The  services  of  the  agent  employed  by  the  Board  for  several  years  to  com- 
plete the  endowment,  have  been  discontinued  during  the  past  year,  owing  to 
the  st;itc  of  the  country.  There  is  still  a  large  amount  of  unpaid  subsciip- 
tions,  not  less  than  $10,000. 

All  which  is  respectfully, 

By  order  of  the  Board, 

Clem't  C.  Rebd,  Secretary. 
May  13th,  1862. 


29 

10 

79  58 

532 

87 

944  57 

584 

54 

2.128 

05 

25 

00 

440 

33 

77  50 

200 

00 

25 

00 

2,500 

00 

$7,566  54 

99,133 

46 

2,901 

54 

$102,035 

00 

320  SYNOD  OP  VIRGINIA. 


DOCKET  OF   BUSINESS  FOR  1863. 

Moderator  and  two  Clerks  to  be  elected. 
Printed  Minutes  to  be  distributed. 
Standing  Committees  to  be  appointed  by  the  Moderator. 
On  Leave  of  Absence. 
On  Bills  and  Overtures. 

A  Judicial  Committee.  ^.      ^  t  r 

On  Union  Theological  Seminary.     They  nominate   Directors,     lerm   ot 
service  of  Dr.  Brown,  iMr.  Fitzgerald  and  M.  Phleger  now  expire.s. 
On  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly. 
On  the  Narrative  of  the  State  of  Religion. 
On  Devotional  Services. 

Committees  to  review  Presbyterial  Records.  j       j 

Rpport  of  the  Directors  of  Union  Theological  Seminary,   to  be  read  and 

committed.  ,.  .  ,  .      j      r       j 

Presbyterial  Narratives  on  the  State  of  Religion,  to  be  read  and  reierred. 

Statistical  Reports  from  Presbjteiies,  to  be  presented  and  read. 
-   The  Permanent  Committee  on  Ministerial  Support  to  report.^ 

Synodical  sermon  to  be  preached  by  Rev.  Thos.  E.   Peck  ;  Rev.  Wm.  H. 
Foo'te,  D.  D.,  Iiis-aiternate. 

A  Preacher  juid  subject  for  a  Synodical  sermon  next  year  to  be  appointed. 

Time  and  pliice  for  the.  next  meeting  of  Synod. 

A  Board  of  Electors  to  be  appointed  for  Union  Theological  Seminary. 

Presbyteries  to  report  their  diligence  in  Systematic  Benevolence. 

Committee  to  procure  an  amendment  to  the  charter  of  Union  Theological 
Seminary  to  report. 


To  the  object  pf 

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